THIS BOOK IS A BILLION PERCENT INCREDIBLE AND AJKLFDSAQTQEQQZXQQJKLQ. Words?! WHAT WORDS. I’m just absolutely dancing from the proverbial rooftops with joy that I fell in love with this book. I’ve had such a slack year for reading. All my highly anticipated reads have splattered like mayonnaise on the wall. But this?! The hype is completely justified. It’s beautiful and visual and delicious (seriously, so much delicious food) and the characters were absolute perfection. I cannot right now. I CANNOT. I AM JUST SO HAPPY I LOVED IT SO MUCH.
Okay, but let’s scroll backwards a little and let me tell you how I have history with this tale.
When I was 12 I was obsessed with Shadow Spinner. It was the book of my LIFE. I reread it nine trillion times and swore to myself I would write a retelling of Shahrazad one day. THEN I SAW THE WRATH AND THE DAWN WAS COMING OUT. I was half disappointed (dang, I missed my opportunity) and half elated because I GET TO RELIVE MY CHILDHOOD LOVE. I’m so so happy and grateful The Wrath and The Dawn stuck to the original story — but with beautiful embellishments and a more YA tone (Shadow Spinner is, obviously, a children’s book).
My expectations were catastrophically high: AND I WAS NOT LET DOWN.
This is me, an incredible nerd, who also borrows out Arabian folklore books.
So it’s a fantasy, with a pinch of magic, and a lot of Persian culture. I love this. I ADORE THIS. I kind of wished it had been an historical fantasy, but the magic was very subtle and while it impacted the finale, it wasn’t like “OH SUDDENLY WE CAN POOF GENIES OUT OF LAMPS.” Although there was hints of a magic carpet?! I really hope they do something fantastic with that.
But omg, the food! THE FOOD. I love books that use food to its full glory. It adds culture and it’s freaking delicious to read about. I nearly died of starvation just reading the foodie descriptions. Basically this book gets a whole extra star for FOOD.
…setting plates of food in front of each guest — aromatic rice with fresh dill and split fava beans, lamb simmered in sauce of turmeric and caramelised onions, skewers of chicken and roasted tomatoes, fresh vegetables garnished with mint and chopped parsley, olives marinated in fine oil, lavash bread with rounds of goat cheese and seemingly endless sweet preserves…(pg 252)
Excuse me while I die. This is beautiful.
The writing was beautiful and brilliant. It was sharp and edgy. Every word MATTERED. And the sentences were short and biting. When it used detailed description, it went for words that packed a punch. AFJDKL EVERYTHING WAS BEAUTIFUL. It’s also narrated by a LOT of people. I loved this. I love fantasy that comes from more than one POV. The most important one, obviously, is Shahrzad’s. But we get to see from Khalid (the monster boy-king) from Jalal (his cousin) and from Tariq (the childhood sweetheart) and even the father (who possibly is insane, jury’s out). I liked how this rounded out the story.
And a quick peek at the characters?! Because I am in love with them. IN LOVE. I SHIP MY SHIP SO HARD I MIGHT EXPLODE.
- Shahrzad: She was so small and sassy and had a big mouth and a sharp wit. I LOVED HER. She reminded me of Celaena Sardothien from Throne of Glass but with less viciousness. Shahrzad could be sweet…if she wanted to. BUT HER SPUNK. She was a billion percent awesome.
- Khalid: Ah, the monster-boy-king. So, since he kills a girl every night, he’s got to be EVIL, right?!! WELL. I figured there’d be more to that story than meets the eye. I figured there’d be a horrifying truth behind what he does. And I was basically right. So I got on Khalid’s side pretty fast…because omg, he’s adorable. He’s angry and violent BUT ADORABLE. He’s unwanted and he’s been abused as a child. I ship him and Shahrzad so so hard I possibly might explode.
- Jalal: He’s Khalid’s cousin and next commander-of-the-guard. He was sort of smooth and slick and sassy, and his relationship with Khalid was “I WANNA BE FRIENDS” while Khalid is like “GET AWAY FROM ME I AM A MEANIE”. So they were adorable. Everything is adorable, dangit.
- Depsina: I LOVE HER MORE THAN WORDS CAN SAY. She’s the handmaiden, and so sassy. She’s also plump and downright gorgeous and can do her makeup like a dream and has a mega crush on Jalal. Qjfadsklqouqqqq I love her. She gives Shahrzad so. much. lip. It’s amazing and their friendship is one of my favourite things.
- Tariq: UGH I HATE TARIQ. I was terrified when he was introduced and started his campaign to get Shahrzad back because I HATE LOVE TRIANGLES WITH A FIERY PASSION. So there is sort of a triangle, but Shahrzad doesn’t spend the entire book trying to choose between two boys. But Tariq was brash and violent and didn’t ever LISTEN. He didn’t even care what Shahrzad wanted, just that he wanted her. That ain’t love. But I adore how the book calls him out on this:
“Why do you love her?”
“Because –” Tariq rubbed at the back of his neck. “All of my most cherished memories are of her. I’ve suffered alongside her. And…we’ve laughed at nothing together.”
Omar’s hand fell from Tariq’s shoulder. “A shared history does not entitle you to a future, my friend.”
Bless the ground Omar stands on. HE IS A WISE MORTAL.
Ahem.
OH OH BEFORE YOU RUN OFF SCREAMING TO (undoubtedly) BUY THIS BOOK, LET ME TALK ABOUT THE STORY ASPECT. As you (might) know, the original tale of Shahrazad is about a girl who is married to a Sultan who slays his bride every night. But Shahrazad tells a story and it lasts past the dawn and then she leaves it at a cliffhanger. SO. To hear the rest, the sultan must spare her life. OKAY SO THE WRATH AND THE DAWN TOTALLY DID THIS! YAY! But possibly my only squinty-ness is because there isn’t that much emphasis on the stories. It’s in the first 50% of the book, and then fades to nothing. This saddens me. But there WERE stories, so I won’t complain too much.
And the romance?! IT WAS PERFECT. I HAVE EXACTLY ZERO COMPLAINTS BECAUSE IT’S GORGEOUS AND BEAUTIFUL. AND I SHIP IT SO HARD. It was a slow attraction and it was so sweet, and Khalid was just bursting with these absolutely incredible soliloquies at the end. Omg. There goes my feels.
Basically it is the most perfect book in the universe. It was everything I wanted. The writing was DELICIOUS. And the characters all stole my heart and I would read nine thousand books about them. Persian fantasies are something I absolutely crave. AND THEN THERE WAS ALL THAT GOOD FOOD. So if you’re torn about trying this: JUST READ IT. THERE IS NO OTHER ANSWER.
Khalid had to answer for such vile deeds. Such rampant deaths.
Even if he was her air.
Even if she loved him beyond words.
I ACTUALLY BOUGHT THIS BOOK MYSELF WITH MY OWN HARD EARNED DRAGON COINS. GO ME. I usually library or get ARCs. The Wrath and the Dawn by Renee Ahdieh was published in May, 2015.
A sumptuous and epically told love story inspired by A Thousand and One Nights.
Every dawn brings horror to a different family in a land ruled by a killer. Khalid, the eighteen-year-old Caliph of Khorasan, takes a new bride each night only to have her executed at sunrise. So it is a suspicious surprise when sixteen-year-old Shahrzad volunteers to marry Khalid. But she does so with a clever plan to stay alive and exact revenge on the Caliph for the murder of her best friend and countless other girls. Shazi’s wit and will, indeed, get her through to the dawn that no others have seen, but with a catch . . . she’s falling in love with the very boy who killed her dearest friend.
She discovers that the murderous boy-king is not all that he seems and neither are the deaths of so many girls. Shazi is determined to uncover the reason for the murders and to break the cycle once and for all.
-~-
OH GOSH DANG IT CAIT WHY WOULD YOU DO THIS TO ME WHEN I WANTED TO READ IT ALREADY AND HAVE SO MANY EXPECTATIONS AND NOW YOU’RE MAKING ME WANT IT EVEN MORE BUT IDEK IF IT’S PUBLISHED IN THE UK AND I CAN’T SPEND MY HARD-EARNED DRAGON COINS ON IT BECAUSE UM I HAVE NONE LIFE OF A BROKE TEENAGER THE PAIN OH GOSH AND THE CHARACTERS SOUND SO FREAKING BEAUTIFUL THEY ACTUALLY SOUNDS LIKE CHARACTERS FROM MY WIP SO UHUM WHEN IT IS PUBLISHED GIVE IT A REVIEW LIKE THIS (if that ever happens, and i am not joking, the person i will be most scared to have my book reviewed by is you..;) FEEL HONOURED).
I’m already dying over the romance so thanks, my heart can’t cope and I DON’T EVEN OWN THE BLOOMING BOOK
oh gosh do you know how accomplished i feel having rhe first comment on your blog (i think)
WHERE’S MY GOLD STAR
OMG. GOLD STAR AND CAKE. Or Persian cake? Is that a thing. I hope it’s a thing because you’re getting some. xDD
AND, BTW, NO REGRETS ON MAKING YOU KNOW YOU NEED THIS BOOK, BECAUSE YOU ABSOLUTELY DO. AND IT’S BEAUTIFUL. AND I COULD EAT IT JUST BECAUSE OF HOW GLORIOUS IT IS. AFJDKLSA IT’S NOT PUBLISHED IN AUSTRALIA. Which is sadness. BUT WHATEVER. I HAVE THIS GLORIOUS BOOK IN MY STICKY PAWS AND I SHALL HUG IT.
You have dragon coins?!? In Australia?!? That is NOT fair. 😉
A story involving folklore? Sign me up. I LOVE mythology/folklore. Also, I’m hungry now and it’s all that quote’s fault…:(
I don’t really understand why every childhood friendship MUST evolve into romance on at least one side. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I LOVE childhood friendship romances, but only requited ones. Why can’t some just continue as mutual friends? …I feel like such a contradiction right now.
How would I feel about a revamp of a favourite childhood book? Simultaneously terrified and excited.
I have dragon coins. I have MANY GLORIOUS THINGS. Once I have many dragons, I’m reading to take planets.
Ahem.
But yes! I LOVE RETELLINGS SO MUCH. I feel like they totally help me learn more about the original, while making it fresh and new and exciting. omg, I could do an entire post on why retellings are so so glorious. BUT YES.
YESSSS. This book sounds like everything I’ve ever dreamed about. The FOOD! Oh, the food! And the persian culture, the mixture of sassy, kick-ass and truly horrifying characters, man how did you find a boy monster adorable? Oh man, I need to buy this book. I’m so proud you enjoyed a book that you bought Cait 🙂
IT. IS. SO. GOOD. And my expectations and standard for “good book” are just so wickedly high atm. I’m just glad it didn’t let down any childhood memories either, hehe.
Okay I’M READING IT LATEEEER!! I’ve been wanting to read it since it came out but I still haven’t gotten to it but I will later. I PROMISE.
AAAAAAAY THIS IS THE BESTEST NEWS. I hope you like it. *chews nails nervously* XDD
I’ve been thinking about buying this for a while. Now I NEED to buy it! Oh and the food thing… that just seals the deal! x
yes you do. THE FOOD MAKES IT. The food and the setting and the incredibly wonderful characters. *eats book*
I did not expect you to like this book so much because of the love triangle. But I am with you on the Persian culture and food elements in this book. i also ship Khalid and Shazi. I want Tariq gone. I want the next book like now…because that ending…what even???
Some of my brain cells were friend while reading it though (i’m using your words, you world ruler, you!). I did not half the words and I was reading the ebook so I only noticed the glossary at the very end. I think I did most of the story but I was rather confused at times.
Anyways, happy reading Cait!
I WAS WORRIED!! Like I had no idea it was going to have a triangle, but I felt like Shazi wasn’t totally spending all her time “omg who should I pick!” so that was a relief. xD Omg, that ending. THAT ENDING. LEMME CRY FOREVER MAYBE.
BAHHA I’m rubbing off on you. 😉
YES TO ALL! I am totally with you on all of this because OMG THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD I CAN’T EVEN.The Dad is totally crazy, and I’m so glad it wasn’t just me who really loathed Tariq, but I also loved that they totally called him on being a possessive poop canoe.
I just can’t even with this book, it lived up to all the hype and was so beautiful and gorgeous and brilliantly written and I ship it and I love them and DEPSINA. I just. Yeah. So much flailing. And I’m so glad you loved it too <3
yes, LET’S STUFF TARIQ IN THE MAGIC CARPET AND THROW HIM OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. It’s the only way of survival, in my honest and fabulous opinion. AHEM. Ahhhhhhhhhhh DESPINA. She is adorable.
Ah, the memories. Awesome post Cait. And the pictures are fabulous.
Thanks, Mum! ^_^
BASICALLY YOUR LOVE OF THIS BOOKS SOUNDS LIKE IT’S AS GOOD FOR YOU AS IF SOMEONE REWROTE NORTH CHILD SPECIFICALLY FOR ME. THAT’S THE VIBE I’M GETTING. Or Nordic mythology – we need more of that, for sure. I SO need to read this book.
YES, YES THAT WOULD BE EXACTLY HOW IT WOULD BE. Isn’t Riordan doing Norse mythology now? Rick Riordan is just the best.
I am going to be a black sheep raining on your parade (too much methaphors?). Anyway, even though I did enjoy this book I wasnt fan of the romance and completely opposite to you I felt no emotional depth to this story. However, I completely agree about awesome setting and that is probably reason why I still plan to read next book.
Still, your review is so super cute that I am just happy to hear that you enjoyed it so much, Cait 🙂
AH THAT IS OKAY!! XD Good thing books are subjective right and they appeal to different people 😀 And I’m just in love with these kind of rich settings (and, basically, anything that’s not set in Western Europe/America for once. hehe)
*runs off to buy book* OH MY GOODNESS I NEED THIS BOOK NOW OR ELSE I WILL EXPLODE OR MELT INTO A PUDDLE OF SADNESS. I mean, everything about it sounds great, but when you said there’s something more to the murders, I was just like, “I would probably pry this book out of the hands of a crying baby if I had to”.
I like retellings of popular fables and childhood stories, as long as they’re done well (for instance, I like what Gail Carson Levine does with fairytales). But I feel like people focus so much on the popular fairytales (which isn’t a bad thing), so I’m super excited about this retelling.
YOU WILL EXPLODE AND MELT INTO A PUDDLE. SO AVOID THIS AND READ IT. AND THEN RETURN AND FLAIL WITH ME. I think my whole brain is crying with the gloriousness. *dashes about in mad circles* Awk! I love retellings. Of ANYTHING by this point. I wish there was more ballet and classic retellings though.
Soooo, you already know I’m not so excited about this book, but as I read your comments, I realise — I actually agree with like almost every single point. I still think the plot was a touch lacklustre, but the characters? The worldbuilding? THE FOOD? IT WAS ALL FABULOUS. But it was just missing that little pinch of magic for me. It wasn’t just that I didn’t ship the characters, or that the ending sorta fell a little short, but it was just not BRING OUT THE CAPS AND THE FEELS AND THE CAKE amazing for me. Oh well. It was still a good book, though!
PS: DRAGON COINS. OMG.
The foooood. *eats the book* AFJDLKS IT WAS PERFECT. And I was super worried because my expectations and standards for a “good book” seem to have gone through the roof. AHHHH!! SO YES. LEMME JUST TALK IN ALL CAPS PERMANENTLY I THINK.
Wow, I seriously feel like rushing to the bookstore immediately and buying this one after reading your review! (Your excitement is very contagious :P). I’ve heard nothing but good things about this one, and I definitely need a copy of this one…not just ‘cause I want to read it REALLY REALLY REALLY badly but also because the author is coming to Boston in the fall 😀 EEEP! Love the review, LOVE THE GIFS, and the photos are absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing 😀
YAAAAY SO DOES THAT MEAN YOU WILL MEET THE AUTHOR?!! *dies of excitement on your behalf* AFJDSKLA I REALLY HOPE YOU DO LIKE THIS IF YOU GET A CHACNE TO READ IT.
I love those paper stars you’ve made. They go so well with the colours of the book (which I’d not heard anything about, so I have little to contribute to the conversation there :P).
Awk, thanks, Alex!! *flails* I had a lot of fun taking these photos actually, and black-and-white-and-sort-of-colouring-everything. xD
I’m really not that familiar with Arab folklore at all (or any folklore outside Norse) so this book looks really interesting. It looks like it has a great story and great characters, and you clearly love it, so I’ll definitely be watching out for it in bookshops from now on. Thanks for the review!
Ohhh Arab folklore is FANTASTIC. Usually pretty religious, though, so I’m surprised this didn’t do a lot with the religion (not that I’m complaining, hehe) BUT YEAH. IT’S FANTASTIC AND I THINK TW&TD REALLY DID IT JUSTICE.
Oh my gosh, Cait, I’m so happy you love this book; I love it too! The romance, oh my god O_O I was so terrified that the romance wasn’t going to live up to my expectations (it’s really hard to find a book that does a love story like this, like, WELL, without it seeming like a poorly-conceived Stockholm Syndrome, you know?). But I fell in love with Shazi from the beginning (so much hatred in those first pages and it was such a shock and so well written that I was completely taken aback and sucked in) and with Khalid, especially once we started to really see him beyond the “evil boy king” that’s presented to the rest of the novel’s world. I want to give him a hug.
So, yes, I totally agree with all of your flailing and loving and all-caps and raging about how freaking GOOD this is. Gorgeous writing, amazing characters, a lovely world, AND THERE’S A SEQUEL *commence screaming*
I don’t think there’s any “obscure” tales from when I was a kid…if there are I’ve forgotten them (however there’s one that I swear I know/love but I can’t even think about what it’s about…total fail on my part). I’m a fan of fairy tale retellings, though; I LOVE fairy tales (I re-wrote fairytales for my senior project for my BA last semester, that’s how much I love to do them). So does that count?
YES I TOTALLY UNDERSTAND HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE ROMANCE. It totally had a Beauty and the Beast vibe too, don’t you reckon?! But yuuuus. If I hadn’t known the original tale, then I probably would’ve been worried. And I guessed there’d be MORE of a reason Khalid was killing people (instead of the original where he’s totally just in a mood and kills girls because of it. :O) I want to hug Khalid too. I think he’d probably hate that, but whatever. An adorable moppet.
I actually walked into this book without knowing much of the original tale. I’m vaguely familiar with Arabian Nights, but that’s it. But I KNEW there had to be more behind why Khalid was killing! If there hadn’t been a deeper reason, I probably would have been really disappointed with the book…yep. The deeper story fleshed Khalid out so much and he’s so broken and I just want to hug him and keep him safe from the evil world <3
I’m really excited to read this one! I love the setting in books like this. I read Exquisite Captive and liked it! The setting was part of what was so alluring about that book. Loved your review (and pictures).
I love epic settings! And UNIQUE settings…I totally cannot get enough of Persian-ish fantasies. XD
I want to read this book so much now! I’m going to end up hungry after reading it though – better have snacks near by. 😀
I’m glad you loved it so much!
YOU WILL TOTALLY END UP HUNGRY. I had such a craving for curry and naan bread and dates, because there were a lot of dates and grapes also and they’re like my FAVOURITE fruitish things.
Aaaand it’s officially added to my TBR.
Your TBR has my approval.
Great review. This book is sitting on my TBR shelf right now. I’m so excited to read it.
YAY I HOPE IT’S FANTASTIC FOR YOU TOO.
a) Adding it on Goodreads as we speak (also promising to try to find it at the enormous new/used bookstore I’m visiting soon).
b) hmm… I’m sure there’s something, but nothing comes to mind right this moment. I’ll probably have a “duh” moment later today when I realize there’s something totally obvious I should have mentioned here.
c) I think I’d be pretty darn excited while simultaneously trying not to get my hopes up. However, the brilliant Canadians turned my favorite teen book series into a TV show and I adore it. Even though they made a few mistakes.
GOOD. YOU ARE WONDERFUL. YOU GET CAKE. (Persian cake? That must be a thing.)
Oohh, what’s the TV show?!
Oh, yay! I do love cake. 🙂 The TV show is called Heartland and is based on the book series by Lauren Brooke. The books are about a young horse trainer who practices natural horsemanship, but the show focuses more on the family and relationships. I’m not sure you would be overly impressed by it, but then again, I don’t really know your taste in TV shows.
I keep hearing that this book is amazing and incredible. I placed a hold on it at the library but I’m like 75th in line or something so I might just have to cave and buy it. I don’t think I’ve read one negative review or comment on it yet.
OMG. 75TH IN LINE? THAT IS LIKE NOTORIOUSLY BAD. I AM SAD. Although kind of happy simultaneously because t least people read in your town!! The longest reserve line I’ve been in is like…2 people.
I’m looking torward to reading this book. I just hope my library has it since it was only released a few months ago.
My faverite childhood book is, well, still my faverote since i still think of myself as a child. Anyway, its no secret to my friends that my great obsession is The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen. I would probably read a revamp of this after all my friends do and promise me it won’t ruin my childhood love. However, i don’t think any revamp could be as good as the original because after reading a faverite book hundreads of times and falling in love all over again everytime, that book will reach a totally different level that most other books can’t compete agienst.
This is why my top 5 books will most likely not change for a long time.
Nice post today!
My library didn’t get it in, but then I’m not sad now…because I OWN IT’S BEAUTIFULNESS AND I’M 100% PLEASED WITH THAT FACT. :’)
*whispers* I think of myself as a child half the time too, because, BAH TO ADULTHOOD. Ahem. Anyway. I also love The False Prince!! It’s not that old is it? Or is it? omg, I don’t even know. I thought it was a new-ish book. HAHA And yess, omg, yes, it is so risky reading something that’s based of a childhood favourite…because if it’s horrible it can spoil ALL the memories.
Aw, but thank you!! 😀
Everything you said about Tariq, thank you. I COULDN’T STAND HIM EITHER. And also everything you said about Khalid, because he is to die for. <3 I didn't looooooove the book as much as you did, but I did really enjoy it. My favorite part was the slow burn romance. I DIED. IT WAS SO BEAUTIFUL. GAH.
YESSSSSS TO KAHLID. *throws tomatoes at Tariq* I mean, it’s just evidence of good writing that I can feel so strongly about characters, XD but haha, very big no to Tariq’s whole face.
I need this in my life! (or my shelf) but OMW I feel hungry right now from just reading that quote, chicken? Roasted Tomatoes? Aromatic rice? *drool* Now let’s just see where I can get some money from since I’ve already spent it all, on guess what? BOOKS. Life is hard.
IN YOUR LIFE. IN YOUR SHELF. IN YOUR HANDS. IN YOUR EYEBALLS. All the things.
Oh oh you are so welcome for that torturous quote. 😉 KIDNAP A DRAGON AND STEAL ALL IT’S GOLD. < -- excellent plan for earning money
HUZZAH! I’M READING THIS RIGHT NOW. I’m still at the beginning where Shahrzad hates Khalid’s guts and is hell-bent on revenge but it’s good! IT’S REALLY GOOD. I LIKES IT SO FAR. It reminds me a lot of Cruel Beauty though but I think I’m going to enjoy this a lot more than Cruel Beauty. LOVE YOUR REVIEW!!!!
YAAAY I AM SO GLAD YOU LIKE IT!!! And omg, it does remind me of Cruel Beauty now that I think about it too! :O Yesssss…I loved Cruel Beauty so that makes sense. xD
I’m the weirdo who never read 1001 Nights so I was SUPER excited when I read this, and yes it was perfection!
I kept Tariq at bay too, I couldn’t have him messing up my perfect ship!
AND THAT ENDING. *dies*
Pfft, I don’t think you’re the weirdo. I’M THE WEIRDO FOR READING THEM ALL. I’m like reading 3 Middle Eastern folklore books simultaneously. #nerd
Caaaait! I must have this book! I don’t know much about persian Folklore, but it sounds kind of Arabian Nights-ish? And seeing as you included a copy in one of your photos I’m assuming that’s what the stories are based on. (Correct me if I’m wrong.) IN WHICH CASE, you might also be interested in A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston. I’ve not read it, but I’ve accepted a review copy request! Even more excited to read it now. I can get both and compare them! Probably not fair, but.
I don’t really have any folklore tales that I love. I did fall in love with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and read the original because of it. SO GOOD! And tragic. I’d quite like to see a YA Little Mermaid! That would be awesome! Can I tempt you, Cait? 😛
YES! It’s Arabian Night-ish. And, if I’ve got this right (though my facts are always dubious) I think the origin of Arabian Nights IS Shahzrad telling 1001 stories to the Sultan and those are all the Arabian Night stories?? BUT. I could have that wrong. That’s just what I gathered from reading those extra Arabian Night books. BECAUSE I’M A NERD AND AM READING LIKE THREE OF THEM SIMULTANEOUSLY. Ahem. And yess, I want A Thousand Nights so bad! Tell me if it’s good, okay?!!
GURLLL ALL YOUR LOVE FOR THIS BOOKS IS MAKING ME LOVE THIS BOOK AND I ONLY JUST DISCOVERED IT. READING IT ASAP.
OH YAY THIS IS GLORIOUS NEWS. TELL ME IF YOU LIKE IT OKAY? BECAUSE IT’S NERVE-WRACKING RECOMMENDING BOOKS WITH THE PASSION OF A THOUSAND SUNS, BUT ALSO AT THE SAME TIME, NO REGRETS BECAUSE I LOVE THIS BOOK THAT MUCH.
CAIT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY ISN’T EVEN FAIR.
I stiiiiiiil haven’t read this. I KNOW, I KNOW. I NEED A CONE OF SHAME. I will read it. I SWEAR. Everyone has talked about how hard they skip it and how fantastic the writing is and I know I need to read it. You’ve made me feel like I need to do it NOW though.
WELL THAT IS A COMPLIMENT I’M JUST GONNA HUG FOR A WHILE. SCUSE ME. I’M HAVING AN EMOTION.
BUt yes. You do need a cone of shame. WHAT IS YOUR EXCUSE? OMG. hehe But yes, you need to read the thing now. And then you need to love it. And then you need to come back and flail with me and partake in virtual Persian food in honour of these delicious volume.
OMG I think I remember Shadow Spinner! Did I read it? I can’t remember! WHY HAS A WITCH STOLEN MY MEMORIES!? Hem. Anyhoo. I still haven’t read this despite having a copy from the library accumulating late fees for like a week, but I did just buy it because I’m 100% sure I’m going to love it. And want to eat all the food. Your review just makes me want to read it NOWWWWWWWW. Maybe I’ll just have to binge read it this weekend. I WANT IT SO BAD.
P.S. Again with the ridiculously gorgeous book photography!
C.J.
Sarcasm & Lemons
Omg, thank you. :’) I’m ridiculously pleased with some of these photos!!
AFJDSKAL YOU KNOW SHADOW SPINNER TOO?!! I confess, I reread it this week!! NO REGRETS. It was just as good as I remembered (well, maybe not perfectly as good…but my memories didn’t let me down.) I HOPE YOU DO LOVE IT. Usually I freak out about buying books in case I don’t like them, but this one?! I KNEW I WOULD.
I DO.
Also: I JUST FINISHED IT. OMG WHY IS IT OVER!? WHY IS IT OOOOOOOOOVER!? I want to read it all over again but OMG THE ENDING HOW CAN I WAIT FOR THE ROSE AND THE DAGGER!?!?!?!??!?! I just want to gush about this book for HOURS!
MY FAITH IS RESTORED IN THIS BOOK 😀
And I didn’t know the true plot behind this book, but I’m glad it was done, even though the stories were only in it 50% of the time. To be honest I’m not AS OBSESSED as you are with the folktale, but I’ll still read this.
And this is definitely the first book you’ve bought in a while hahah!
YAAAAAAY. But, dude, do not worry. I don’t think anyone is as obsessed with the original tale as me. BUT NO SHAME. I had a glorious childhood wherein my sister and I role-played this story and I got to be the Sultan.
Um. Ahem.
I swear I’m normal.
IT’S LIKE THE FIRST BOOK I’VE REVIEWED ON THE BLOG ALL YEAR THAT I PICKED OF MY OWN ACCORD. xDXD Well. Except for Game of Thrones, but I don’t call them reviews. They’re more like gif-attacks. XD
OKAY THEN. O_O *tentatively adds to to-read list because it is at my library yay*
I just reread “Castle in the Air” by Diana Wynne Jones and there’s sort of an Arabian Nights/Aladdin sort of vibe to it and a genie and a magic carpet. 😀 It’s a fantasy world but it totally FEELS like that. You should maybe give it a shot! IT’S ALSO HILARIOUS. XD (And the sequel to Howl’s Moving Castle which I’m always trying to get you to read, so there’s that. XD)
I’M SO GLAD YOU ENJOYED THIS IT MAKES ME HAPPY TO SEE YOU SO HAPPY.
YOUR LIBRARY HAS IT? THIS IS GLORIOUS NEWS, DEBORAH. And now I shall just shake in worry in case you don’t like it. xD Sooo much pressure with recommendations, right?! HAHA. Ahem. So dude, I totally want to read Castle in the Air. *goes to see if library has it* I have SUCH a thing about Persian-ish fantasies. I’m gonna write one one day. I AM.
THE FOOD OMG YES!
My first goodreads update on this book was about how hungry it was making me.
ME TOO. I craved curry and naan like nothing else.
You know what, I’ll read it solely for the food. Food is love. Food is life. Literally, since you’ll die without it. The names are foreign, but not hard to pronounce, which I love since I won’t be stumbling through the syllables in my head and end up calling them a bunch of jumbled up vowels oops. Great review, Cait!
That is an EXCELLENT reason to read it and I approve of your life decisions, Erin. WELL DONE. And yes, omg , I love the names! They’re not like Akhbila’ja’katan Or anything. They actually make sense and still feel Persian.
I loved this too so yay! there were a few teensy things that bothered me but there was very much of awesomeness (and I’m reviewing this next week, so look out for it) and I would love to see some retellings of Indian or Maori myths in YA, because some of them are really cool (they are largely based around gods and goddesses, but the stories are fascinating) Most of the books from my childhood (like the Ingo books) do have parallels in YA, but I do love it when sometbhing you love becomes even more awesome 🙂
YAAAY I CAN’T WAIT FOR YOUR REVIEW TOO1! i’m just so so happy because this year…meh. I feel like I’ve been unduly tough, but TW&TD was something I can get 100% behind and flail for aaall of eternity. :’) I would LOVE to see more Indian retellings too!! Also Maori, because I confess, I know nothing about them. But I blame that on the cautious Aussie vs NZ rivalry. 😉
I must read this, though I must admit that I feel that way about almost every book you review. I am suspecting some kind of brain washing or hypnosis is involved. You haven’t let me down on a book yet though.
It is TOTALLY hypnosis. I promise it is. I have skills.
OH MY GOD RIGHT IN THE CHILDHOOD WITH SHADOW SPINNER. I need to go find my copy ASAP.
I shouldn’t love Khalid so much but I DO AND I HAVE ZERO REGRETS I CAN’T GET OVER IT MY BBY LET ME HOLD HIM.
Tariq can go drown in a sand storm. Seriously. Take your camel and go home, buddy. YOU CAN’T COMPETE WITH KHALID.
OMMMMG YOU READ SHADOW SPINNER TOO?!!! AJFDSKLAFD I LOVE THAT BOOK SO MUCH. In fact, I reread it this week. xD NO SHAME. It was just as glorious as I remembered. *happy dance*
I’m not even going to give Tariq his camel. He can just go faceplant in a sandstorm and turn into a sandcastle for all I care.
YAY, I am so happy you loved this book as I did! Because I did, I LOVED IT! I need the sequel, and I need Tariq to die, or get mauled by bears or something. I guess there aren’t a ton of bears in that area, hm? A rogue bear then.
The characters were SO amazing, I agree, I loved them ALL. OH your questions:
A- I already have and loved it so YAY.
B- Um… not really? This makes me sad.
C- I don’t think there’s going to be some epic re-telling of The Baby-sitters Club, so we’re probably okay on that end 😉
Also, your pictures are so pretty I have no words. Except “pretty”. Maybe “glorious”? I have a few words I guess.
I’m going to vote with the bear too. I mean, it’s not that unreasonable? Surely someone must have a small malicious bear somewhere in this fantasy-Persia-ish world? Yes? Make it happen, Shannon.
OKAY SO I DIDN’T REALLY LIKE THIS BOOK (and looking at your review I feel like I missed something but shh) and I feel like giving this a reread. Maybe I will. You’re terribly convincing, Cait! But anyway, THE FOOD THE FOOD, gorgeous. Lovely. Beautiful. Swoon-worthy. And the culture too. When it came to those aspects, I felt like eating the book. And I adore Despina and Jalal and ship them hard for some reason. I really want a novella about them. D:
OMG CAN I EVEN SPEAK TO YOU ANYMORE. XDXD haaa, I’m just kidding. That’s the beauty of books though, don’t you think?! They’re so subjective that someone can ALWAYS find something to love. 😀 The food, though, the food. I vote the sequel be called The Food and The Cookbook.
I finally own this book but because of other books am currently reading it’s not too of my TBR. 🙁 but it’ll be sooner than later with fingers crossed. Great review as always.
Yesss, I hope it’s super soon. heheh JUST KIDDING NO PRESSURE. These TBRs must be handled cautiously least they eat us, right?
my tbr is already taking over my bookcase if that’s any sign. Also I want to read where I can be involved fully into it. If not this week next month for sure. 🙂
I want to read this book SO MUCH. Your review has just completely confirmed that for me.
THIS IS GLORIOUS NEWS.
Ooh, I like the quotes you mention. I have to get to this one. Soon. Soon.
YES SOOOOON. *gives you Persian food to inspire you to read it faster*
This review just makes me want to read the book even more!!! I was really afraid that because of the evil hype monster gnawing away at this book that the real thing wouldn’t be as good, but I’m so glad to hear that you loved it!! I’ll definitely have to get my hands on a copy soon! 🙂
YAAY MY WORK HERE IS DONE. The Evil Hype Monster is kind of nefarious, right?! But this time I think it has 100% good cause. hehe.
OH ME OH MY! I heard about this book because it was written by an author in my area. I was immediately captured by it because… PERSIAN CULTURE… I have an irrational obsession with Persian culture that began when I first tasted stuffed grape leaves (AND SHE TALKS ABOUT FOOD?!?!) I had high expectations for this book, so high that I was afraid to read it. Now I am so excited to have your recommendation. I’ve got to get my hands on a copy… like right now.
Omg, an author in your area. You’re like famous by, um, geographical closeness. :’) OKAY IGNORE MY LOGIC. WHATEVER. Ahahah. Ahem. I really hope you like it, particularly if you’re a Persian-culture addict like me. 😀
I have this book on hold at the library and OMG I NEED IT NOW.
OH, I HOPE THE LIBRARY GIVES IT TO YOU SOON SO YOU CAN EAT IT AND FLAIL WITH ME.
I feel like EVERYONE loves this one…. except me. I don’t even know why I did not like it… the only thing I know is that reading it felt like such a burden.
I guess this is a prove that even the books with the highest amounts of hype are not for everyone. Or maybe I am just weird or something. The second option is probably more true that the first one. 😀
Ahh, that’s okay, though, right?! Not every book is for everyone. XD
HECK FLIP OK
YOU LOVE THE BOOK
I want to read the book, now. It attracted but did not CAPTURE me the first couple of times I heard bloggers talk about it, but I am captured now!
I will be on the look-out for the book.
OH GOOD. I’M GLAD YOU’RE CAPTURED. I HOPE YOU LIKE IT IF YOU DO EAT IT.
a) Yes, of course. I believe it’s already on my “want to read” list on Goodreads.
b) I don’t know if I adore any tales, but I am partial to some of them, especially after reading books inspired by them. Diana Wynne Jones’s Fire and Hemlock takes two old ballads (“Tam Lin” and “Thomas the Rhymer”) and weaves a great story around them… but then, Jones has done some amazing things with old myths and tales. One of my other favourite books, Antonia Michaelis’s Tiger Moon, has a very Scheherazade-ish vibe to it. I also kind of like seeing Baba Yaga pop up in stories with her chicken-legged house.
c) I don’t think my childhood favourites really need revamping. Sequels? Maybe. Retellings based on the same source material? Okay. But I don’t see how redoing something already wonderful is really necessary.
(Have you ever read the original 1001 Nights stories? Oh, my gosh. Definitely not YA. It’s pretty brutal stuff.)
Oh oh I am looking up Tiger Moon than because it sounds like my kind of book, hehe, and Baba Yaga is in it too?! AWESOME. I loved her part in Egg & Spoon, hehe, although that book kind of dragged a bit. ahem.
I’m reading like some folklore books on the 1001 nights, but i think they’re still edited for children. So I should search out the real legit one, eh?!
Hahaha… no, there’s no Baba Yaga in Tiger Moon. I just read over what I wrote, and I wasn’t very clear. Tiger Moon is based in India, with Hindu mythology and a talking tiger (Nitish is one of my favourite animal characters ever… and I don’t usually like talking animals). No, Baba Yaga turned up in other books… like Joy Preble’s Dreaming Anastasia and Orson Scott Card’s Enchantment. I know she’s featured in a few other books, too, but I haven’t had a chance to read those yet.
Yeah, the 1001 Nights stories are interesting, but pretty gory. Lots of body parts getting chopped off. That sort of stuff.
OH MY GOD YOU FINALLY READ THE WRATH AND THE DAWN!!! ISN’T IT THE BEST FRICKIN BOOK OF 2015 EVER? SHAZI IS SO WITTY I LOVE IT AND KHALID MY BAE <3333
THE ONLY THING I HATE THOUGH IS WAITING FOR A YEAR FOR THE SECOND BOOK
P.S SORRY FOR TALKING IN CAPS I JUST GET EXCITED OVER THE WRATH AND THE DAWN
YES YES YESSS IT IS THE BEST BOOK OF EVER. SERIOUSLY JUST FLEW TO THE VERY TOP OF MY “FAVOURITES OF 2015” SHELF. (Though, tbh, it’s on my favourites of ever shelf too, now.) I DON’T WANT TO WAIT A YEAR. OMG. MAKE TIME GO FASTER, ISHA. HELP ME AND MY FEELS.
You have me wishing I had this book in my hands right now! Those quotes are beautiful, the characters sound perfect… I’m buying this ASAP.
That is an EXCELLENT life decision. YOU NEED IT.
I can totally feel your enthusiasm for this book, Cait! I’m so glad that you looooved this one so much! Khalid was definitely my favorite character here because even if he was so detached a lot of the time 😛 He just had the social presence, you know? Alas, I didn’t love this one as much as you did for some of the reasons that you loved it XDD But no matter, the fact that we got to read a 5 star book is a victory in and of itself 😉 The photos look gooooorgeous!
SOLD!!!!
Yup, that’s it! I AM BUYING THIS BOOK!!! Congrats Cait, you have lowered my pitiful bank balance even further. You should feel bad 😉 Although, not too bad, I really want to read it.
I read A Thousand Nights, which is an Arabian Nights retelling coming out in October. It was okay, beautifully written and everything , but it just didn’t manage to blow me away. This seems like it will be the read I’d been hoping A Thousand Nights would have been. I really hope I end up loving it 🙂
Oh man, I’m trying really hard to wait for my turn for this book (I’ve got it on hold at the library), but every time I read a post like yours I get the insane itch to one-click.
GGGGHHH!
OKAY. So first to answer your question and then OOH over this review and how much I want to read this amazing book.
1. YES. Obviously. 2. I don’t really know; I have a love for them, but I don’t have a particular favourite. The tale of Princess Kaguya is gorgeous, utterly, and I love the original Andersen Little Mermaid. Bittersweet and glorious and PAIN. 3. I’d be excited, if it sounded like I was going to be passionate about the direction of the story. I don’t read books just because they’re about/based on something else I love, not if they don’t intrigue me on their own right.
I’ve never actually heard of the original story that this is retold from, but it sounds so very interesting and this sounds utterly divine. I’ve been hoping to get a copy for a while but maybe I should a. buy one (like you because sometimes you just need to negate other people and their birthday presents and buy yourself books) or add it to my christmas wishlist as a priority. Your review is excitable and makes me want to do all the reading of this book. Ace, Cait. xx
I’M SO HAPPY YOU LOVE THIS! I literally couldn’t function after reading this…………….
“My soul has found its equal in you.”
“What are you doing you plague of a girl..”
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. Also the title of the second book and the excerpt is. The Rose and Dagger both from Khalid!!! <3
The ending though. I was screaming it wasn't the curse it was the dad!!!!! I hate why she had to leave. :(((((
IT’S SO PRETTY I MUST OWN IT AND READ IT AND LOVE IT
*flails wildly*
I am going to read this! But…not for a while. I normally steer clear of fantasy because I struggle keep up with it and takes me for a loop, which is no fun and leaves me clueless and baffled. But this sounds good and I read a snippet in a review that makes me think I’ll be able to handle it so yay! But in one of my recent posts, I’ve banned myself from unfinished series. Not looking forward to the wait… But glad to hear the hype lived up to it!
You convinced me, I have to have this book pronto.
Shadow Spinner was/is one of my all time favorites, and I can blame it for my obsession with all things Arabian Nights for *years*
I’m so glad you loved this book, that’s such a wonderful feeling. Only a big buffet mainly consisting of chocolate and junk food could possibly come close.
I loved this one too! I cannot wait for the sequel! I hope that the magical element becomes more alive in the second book. I want more of that! It was so intriguing. I really loved the characters in this book. Their interaction was so intense and I loved it! I am glad you liked this one! Fantastic, gushing review!
IT WAS INTENSE AND BEAUTIFUL AND PERFECT. <3 I seriously haven't been this intensely in love with a book for a while. :')
SO glad I read your review, because with summer dwindling I have to heartbreakingly strip down my TBR to the must-reads and this is DEFINITELY going to be in it now! The characters sound amazing, and I really need a 5-star book right about now because it feels like it’s been too long. Plus, I just came off a book with 7 POVs down not-so right in my opinion (Legacy of Kings) so I would love to have a book reassure me that multiple POVs can be fantastic.
YAaaay! I am SO GLAD this is getting onto your must-read list because you absolutely won’t regret it. FAJDSLAKD IT IS JUST THAT GOOD. 7 POVs, though?! Woah. I used to be stolidly against multiple POVs but…then I started Game of Thrones. XD I think there are 10+ per book. *dies* XD
I CANNOT WAIT TO READ THIS BOOK!!!
I won a hardcover in a giveaway and it is such a beautiful hardcover! DD: And I am someone who is head over heels into culture, so knowing that this book is teeming with it, as well as being a wonderful retelling has me in love <3 I haven't opened the book yet! I am so excited ^^
OH MY GOSH THE FEELS.
I saw this review in passing, got it at the library, and am currently reading it. Holy frickin cow, Khalid and Shazi (Khalazi? Shalid?) are my OTP. Tariq is awful and I hate him and I guess I could see why she’d like him in the beginning but he’s creepy and won’t let go of the past and no. Just, unhealthy stalker relationship much? BUT KHALID AND SHAZI AND DESPINA AND JALAL AND !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YES YES ALL THE FEELS. THIS BOOK IS A MARVELLOUS BUCKET OF FEELS. *shrieks* And Shalid < --- perfection😂 I just don't even get the point of Tariq's existence, omg, can't he see he is in the way of a magnificent ship that does NOT NEED HIM ANYWHERE NEAR IT?? *gently pushes Tariq to the other und of the universe* Are you reading The Rose and the Dagger soon?! I have it but I just haven't gotten to it yet because I'm nervous of the ending!😂
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